anxiety during dialysis

Hi. My mom is 90. a multitude of health problems lead to her finally having to go on dialysis. She has been on it, and in and out of the hospital and rehab, for 4 months. Now she is home. she still is having trouble getting through the sessions. She tries deep breathing, meditation, Netflix, extra blankets, xanax, but nothing seems to help. Any suggestions? i just read about the ultra strength TUMS. thank you

[Darlenia]

Oh my, this breaks my heart hearing about your mom. You're a great son for caring about her. I have a friend with multiple sclerosis who covers her eyes and listens to music during her periods of pain and anxiety. She explained that the brain can't focus on more than one sensory input at time and closing herself off this way helps her stay above her issues. She added that the greater the pain or anxiety, the louder she would turn up the music. Maybe giving your mom nice face (eye) mask and headphones will help your mom too. You're dedication to your mom is wonderful to see. I truly hope everyone is so fortunate to have someone equally devoted in their life.

[Hidden in reply to Darlenia]

thank you for your kindness and your suggestions. Maybe that will help. thank you again for taking the time to write!

[OperationKidney]

What about something that forces her to use her hands, if she can? For me when I get panic attacks, playing with Play Doh or having something else to keep my hands occupied really helps. Does she/can she knit, crotchet or sew, perhaps? Thinking of you and her and I hope yall can find something that will help!

[Hidden in reply to OperationKidney]

thank you for these suggestions. She does not have the energy to knit, and is not good at it. She did try coloring, but that was not enough of a distraction. Play dough sounds pretty good though!!!! thank you again.

[OperationKidney in reply to Hidden]

Of course. I figured at her age it would likely be a struggle to do any of those things, because of arthritis or lack of energy or focus, but Im glad the Play Doh idea might be useful!!

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

The anxiety is the worst. Make sure she is well rested prior to each treatment. If she walks try a brisk (if possible) walk. Many clinics offer use of a small pedalciser. See if this helps. I'd Xanax doesn't work it may be RLS related which can often be iron deficiency related. Talk to her team about her iron stores. If they are low, required or another med for RLS may help. Noise canceling headphones or music may be helpful. Tapping could also be considered.youtu.be/085w1xlrGnU(Not working as expected?)

[Hidden in reply to KidneyCoach]

Hi. I had not thought of tapping . She has gone to an acupuncturist in the past, so maybe this is a way to self administer. I will pass this idea on. Thank you!!

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

When I was a hemodialysis patient for 4 years, my anxiety would center around traumatic events. It was not constant, but would come and go. For the pain of inserting needles into my fistula I would use a lidocaine cream on the fistula an hour before my treatment. That would take away the pain. For anxiety during leg cramps I would call for assistance from the staff and they would do certain things to alleviate the cramps like put ting the machine on minimum, lowering my chair to a flat position, or even having me press against their leg until the pain stopped. For anxiety about a needle getting dislocated and spraying blood, the staff taught me to breathe deeply and put pressure on the area immediately as they fixed the issue. A lot of what helped me was just talking with the staff members and learning from them tips on how to make it easier for myself. If your mom has a hobby that she loves, encourage her to continue with it - I love reading books and magazines and would always have one with me to concentrate on. There are a lot of noises and alarms going on in the dialysis unit and TV isn't really enough to take your mind off of it. When I would read a really good book it would transport me out of my immediate surroundings and time would pass so quickly! I hope this helps and I wish your mother well.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

You can also ask for an extra warm blanket wrapped around your cramping leg to help ease the pain.

[Hidden]

Hi. This center does not supply blankets or pillows, but you have a good idea. She also has a catheter in her chest area, not the fistula. You can't get the catheter wet, so lidocaine cream will not work. But even knowing that others are having a hard time is helpful. So thank you for answering, and for your suggestions.

[bestmom247 in reply to Hidden]

Let her stay with her catheter!!!!! I ha ve had mine for nearly three years. I just had it replaced. She does not need the anxiety of a fistuala. he can also do home HD if you are willing to help her, or if there is a family member who can stay with her while she dialyzes. I am 70 years old and suffer from dialysis related anxiety. I am now learning that I have control over my health issues, not the center, the doctors or anyone else. If you empower her with that, it seems to help quite a bit. I wish her love and good luck.

[Hidden in reply to bestmom247]

thank you for your support! and your perspective.

[horsie63 in reply to bestmom247]

You Harv e a chest catheter for 4 years? I just got mine and like the no needles.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

Oh good, at least she doesn't have to deal with needles right now! I knew a patient who would bring an electric blanket with her and plug it in there! The "hospital" blankets lose their heat so quickly. I would bring my own blanket and use their's as well. I would wear a wool hat year round. You get very cold because the blood is cooled as it recirculates in the dialysis machine. Also, some of the patients took Benadryl and would sleep through the sessions. Check with her nephrologist and nurses and techs for more ideas.

[Hidden in reply to cs65]

thank you for your comments! Much appreciated. Benadryl is an interesting idea. She does bring her own blankets.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

Her social worker would be a good person to talk to as well.

[MToQ]

Do you think she would be willing to try some cannabis tinctures? If so, get high CBD to THC ratio. Will NOT get her high but should relax her. Try to find 30:1 or even 40:1 tinctures. Put the drops under her tongue or in her tea about an hour or 90mins before the start of her treatment. It helps me relax and stops my brain from churning.

Although, she might like a bit of a high. In which case, try an 8:1 tincture. Or an edible treat like chocolate.

I also love to listen to audio books. Nothing like a good story to take your mind away into a fun adventure. You can download a library app like Libby and link it to your local library card. Get a pair of noise cancelling headphones and a soft eye mask to block out the light and slip into the story.

Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to MToQ]

thank you so much for taking the time to write in such detail. I will pass this suggestion on. Be well.